--- title: Lessons for Earth and the Solar System | K-8 Grade description: Earth and the Solar System Disciplinary Core Ideas image: https://www.knowatom.com/hubfs/Right%20Image.png --- [![Teacher Login](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/347944/f56bee57-133e-4975-8055-799f1f23588b.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/347944/f56bee57-133e-4975-8055-799f1f23588b) [Teacher Login](https://app.knowatom.com/signin) [![KnowAtom Logo](https://www.knowatom.com/hubfs/KnowAtom%20Logo.svg "KnowAtom Logo")](https://www.knowatom.com/) # Earth and the Solar System Disciplinary Core Ideas [![Download a Sample Unit](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/347944/20eee377-e175-48fe-a039-ae723137a2a6.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/347944/20eee377-e175-48fe-a039-ae723137a2a6) Science & Engineering Practices - [Asking questions and defining problems](https://www.knowatom.com/asking-questions-and-defining-problems) - [Developing and using models](https://www.knowatom.com/developing-and-using-models) - [Planning and carrying out investigations](https://www.knowatom.com/planning-and-carrying-out-investigations) - [Analyzing and interpreting data](https://www.knowatom.com/analyzing-and-interpreting-data) - [Constructing explanations and designing solutions](https://www.knowatom.com/constructing-explanations-and-designing-solutions) - [Engaging in argument from evidence](https://www.knowatom.com/engaging-in-argument-from-evidence) Disciplinary Core Ideas - [Earth and the Solar System](https://www.knowatom.com/earth-and-the-solar-system) Crosscutting Concepts - [Patterns](https://www.knowatom.com/patterns) [![New call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/347944/b5a1446e-d782-4a5f-a019-0b3b98c8304f.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/347944/b5a1446e-d782-4a5f-a019-0b3b98c8304f) ## Lessons for Earth and the Solar System Grade Ranges All K-2 3-5 6-8 [![](https://www.knowatom.com/hubfs/Seasonal-Patterns2-1.jpg) ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/1st-grade-science/seasonal-patterns) ## [Seasonal Patterns In this unit, students focus on the relationship between Earth’s movement in the solar system and the changing seasons, exploring seasonal patterns in the changing amounts of daylight, temperature, and the environment.](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/1st-grade-science/seasonal-patterns) [ VIEW LESSON ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/1st-grade-science/seasonal-patterns) [![](https://www.knowatom.com/hubfs/image3-Oct-07-2023-02-41-11-9781-PM.png) ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/4th-grade-science/balanced-vs-unbalanced-forces) ## [Balanced vs. Unbalanced Forces In this unit, students analyze the phenomena of matter, forces, and energy. In this lesson, they compare the effects of unbalanced versus balanced forces on objects. They then evaluate how matter interacts with and is changed by energy, which transfers from one object or system to another. This page showcases key components of this lesson.](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/4th-grade-science/balanced-vs-unbalanced-forces) [ VIEW LESSON ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/4th-grade-science/balanced-vs-unbalanced-forces) [![](https://www.knowatom.com/hubfs/image4-Oct-07-2023-11-58-00-9482-AM.png) ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/3rd-grade-science/flood-control-engineering) ## [Flood Control Engineering In this unit, students discover how the sun provides light and heat to Earth and how the water cycle influences weather and climate. Students analyze weather patterns in specific regions during a particular season. They then use that knowledge to study the effects of extreme weather on humans, evaluating solutions to protect against those effects. ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/3rd-grade-science/flood-control-engineering) [ VIEW LESSON ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/3rd-grade-science/flood-control-engineering) [![](https://www.knowatom.com/hubfs/image1-Oct-09-2023-06-34-28-8926-AM.png) ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/8th-grade-science/earth-sun-moon-system) ## [Earth-Sun-Moon System In this unit, students explore the science phenomena gravity and its role in the universe. In this lesson they investigate how gravity within the Earth-sun-moon system causes different observable patterns. This page showcases key elements in this lesson. ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/8th-grade-science/earth-sun-moon-system) [ VIEW LESSON ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/8th-grade-science/earth-sun-moon-system) [![](https://www.knowatom.com/hubfs/image4-Oct-09-2023-06-38-57-1697-AM.png) ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/8th-grade-science/earths-place-in-the-solar-system) ## [Earth's Place in the Solar System In this unit, students explore the vastness and mysteriousness of the universe, exploring how the Earth-sun-moon system fits into solar system phenomena and the Milky Way Galaxy. In this lesson they evaluate phenomena related to gravity’s role in forming the solar system and how mass and gravity determine weight on other planets. This page showcases key elements in this lesson. ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/8th-grade-science/earths-place-in-the-solar-system) [ VIEW LESSON ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/8th-grade-science/earths-place-in-the-solar-system) [![](https://www.knowatom.com/hubfs/image1-Oct-09-2023-06-50-12-9288-AM.png) ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/8th-grade-science/sun-angle-and-temperature) ## [Sun Angle and Temperature In this unit, students analyze the phenomenon of our sun as the primary source of energy on Earth. In this lesson, students explore how the sun’s uneven heating of the planet drives weather phenomena and climate phenomena, which result from complex interactions within Earth’s systems. This page is an extract from parts of this lesson. ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/8th-grade-science/sun-angle-and-temperature) [ VIEW LESSON ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/8th-grade-science/sun-angle-and-temperature) [![](https://www.knowatom.com/hubfs/image4-Oct-09-2023-06-50-09-1556-AM.png) ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/8th-grade-science/convection-and-weather) ## [Convection and Weather In this unit, students explore the phenomena of convection by discovering how heat is transferred from warmer locations to cooler locations, which is a major cause of weather and climate. This page is a high-level extract of a lesson. ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/8th-grade-science/convection-and-weather) [ VIEW LESSON ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/8th-grade-science/convection-and-weather) [![](https://www.knowatom.com/hubfs/Grade/Screenshot%20(38).png) ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/7th-grade-science/climate-analysis) ## [Climate Analysis In this unit, students focus on the phenomena of Earth’s ice as they model how glaciers shape Earth’s surface. In this lesson, they investigate how scientists use ice cores to reconstruct Earth’s past climates and environments. This page is a high-level extract of this lesson.](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/7th-grade-science/climate-analysis) [ VIEW LESSON ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/7th-grade-science/climate-analysis) [![](https://www.knowatom.com/hubfs/Seasonal-Patterns-1.jpg) ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/1st-grade-science/seasonal-temperature-and-water-cycles) ## [Seasonal Temperatures and Water Cycles In this unit, students investigate the science phenomena of seasonal patterns and water cycles. Once students have analyzed how seasonal patterns of sunrise and sunset can be observed and predicted, they focus on seasonal temperature and rainfall patterns. They investigate temperature patterns of a specific location throughout the year. ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/1st-grade-science/seasonal-temperature-and-water-cycles) [ VIEW LESSON ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/1st-grade-science/seasonal-temperature-and-water-cycles) [![](https://www.knowatom.com/hubfs/conservation-of-matter.jpg) ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/5th-grade-science/patterns) ## [Patterns In this unit, students discuss how all matter in the universe is made up of different combinations of atoms formed from chemical reactions. They use scale models to compare properties of the sun, moon, and Earth, and then use that knowledge to analyze the science phenomena of how patterns are formed by the relative positions and movements of the sun, moon, and Earth. This page highlights key components of this lesson on patterns.](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/5th-grade-science/patterns) [ VIEW LESSON ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/5th-grade-science/patterns) [![](https://www.knowatom.com/hubfs/image3-Oct-08-2023-12-34-24-7924-PM.png) ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/5th-grade-science/ecosytem-dynamics) ## [Ecosystem Dynamics In this unit, students evaluate the science phenomena of how a change to an ecosystem can impact the living things that make it up. In this lesson, students explore how a change to the kind of plants in an environment results in a ripple effect phenomena on predation in the area. This page is a high-level extract of this lesson.](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/5th-grade-science/ecosytem-dynamics) [ VIEW LESSON ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/5th-grade-science/ecosytem-dynamics) [![](https://www.knowatom.com/hubfs/image1-Oct-08-2023-08-20-18-3788-PM.png) ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/6th-grade-science/engineering-rain-harvesting-systems) ## [Engineering Rain Harvesting Systems In this unit, students build on their scientific knowledge about matter, energy, and heat transfer to explore the phenomena of weather and climate. They investigate how the sun powers the global water cycle, which in turn has very local impacts that affect the phenomena of regional climates around the world. They then use that knowledge to figure out and design a technology that solves the problem of drought-related water shortages.](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/6th-grade-science/engineering-rain-harvesting-systems) [ VIEW LESSON ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/6th-grade-science/engineering-rain-harvesting-systems) [![](https://www.knowatom.com/hubfs/image4-Oct-08-2023-10-02-49-8922-PM.png) ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/6th-grade-science/engineering-bridges) ## [Engineering Bridges In this unit, students explore how engineers and architects design structures that help human populations survive and thrive in their environment. Students take on the challenges of civil engineers as they design different types of bridges to discover a design that can carry the maximum load. This page highlights the components of this lesson.](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/6th-grade-science/engineering-bridges) [ VIEW LESSON ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/6th-grade-science/engineering-bridges) [![](https://www.knowatom.com/hubfs/image1-Nov-01-2023-06-55-45-7330-AM.png) ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/7th-grade-science/earth-sun-moon-system) ## [Earth-Sun-Moon System In this unit, students explore the science phenomena gravity and its role in the universe. In this lesson they investigate how gravity within the Earth-sun-moon system causes different observable patterns. This page showcases key elements in this lesson. ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/7th-grade-science/earth-sun-moon-system) [ VIEW LESSON ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/7th-grade-science/earth-sun-moon-system) [![](https://www.knowatom.com/hubfs/image4-Nov-01-2023-05-57-44-5420-AM.png) ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/7th-grade-science/earths-place-in-the-solar-system) ## [Earth's Place in the Solar System In this unit, students explore the vastness and mysteriousness of the universe, exploring how the Earth-sun-moon system fits into solar system phenomena and the Milky Way Galaxy. In this lesson they evaluate phenomena related to gravity’s role in forming the solar system and how mass and gravity determine weight on other planets. This page showcases key elements in this lesson.](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/7th-grade-science/earths-place-in-the-solar-system) [ VIEW LESSON ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/7th-grade-science/earths-place-in-the-solar-system) Standards citation: NGSS Lead States. 2013. *Next Generation Science Standards: For States, By State*s. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. Neither WestEd nor the lead states and partners that developed the Next Generation Science Standards were involved in the production of this product, and do not endorse it. ![KnowAtom Logo](https://www.knowatom.com/hubfs/KnowAtom%20Logo.svg "KnowAtom Logo") Quick Links Resources Sign Up for Our Blog ### Sign Up for Our Blog Connect with Us - - - - © 2026 KnowAtom LLC  •  10 Brady Drive Unit 3   •  Ipswich MA •   01938 USA [DO NOT SELL MY PERSONAL INFORMATION](https://www.knowatom.com/do-not-sell-my-personal-information) | [Privacy Policy](https://www.knowatom.com/privacy-policy) | [Terms of Use](https://www.knowatom.com/terms-of-use) ```json { "@context" : "http://schema.org", "@type" : "Organization", "address" : { "@type" : "PostalAddress", "addressCountry" : "USA", "addressLocality" : "Salem", "addressRegion" : "MA", "postalCode" : "01970", "streetAddress" : "27 Congress Suite 410" }, "alternateName" : "KA", "areaServed" : { "@type" : "GeoCircle", "geoMidpoint" : { "@type" : "GeoCoordinates", "latitude" : "+42.5182274", "longitude" : "-70.8877569" }, "geoRadius" : "150 km" }, "description" : "Next Generation Science STEM Curriculum", "email" : "fvigeant@knowatom.com", "image" : "https://www.knowatom.com/hubfs/KA-GSD.png", "logo" : "https://www.knowatom.com/hubfs/Knowatom-2017/Image/logo-1.png", "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://www.knowatom.com/earth-and-the-solar-system", "@type" : "WebPage", "description" : "Earth and the Solar System Disciplinary Core Ideas\n\n" }, "name" : "KnowAtom", "sameAs" : [ "https://www.facebook.com/KnowAtom", "https://twitter.com/KnowAtom", "https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCS0rbN0RfqaU1xaISrdVpTA", "https://plus.google.com/110709105138117096940" ], "telephone" : "(617) 475-3475", "url" : "https://www.knowatom.com" } ```